COVENTRY Bears were without a home game for the second time in succession when TotalRL.com Conference opponents Durham Phoenix were unable to field a side for Saturday's fixture at Pickford Grange Lane.

"It really is a poor show when teams are not prepared to fulfill their commitment to fixtures," said Bears chairman Ron Banks.

"Our friends at Barkers Butts Rugby Union Club go to a lot of time and trouble to prepare the ground and we have now had to let them down twice.

"The Conference needs to address the problem before we lose any more face." Bears remain in third place overall and top of the Western Conference.

Coventry's under-13s held a festival of mini rugby league at Barkers Butts on Sunday against Worcester Wolverhampton. Playing for the first time, the junior Bears lost both games against experienced teams.